Again, Gunmen Abduct 76-yr-old Retired Major In Kogi

A retired Major of the Nigerian Army, Pastor Joe Ajayi, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his residence in Odo-Ape in Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State.

This latest abduction was coming barely one week after eight (8) persons were kidnapped in Okeloke community in the same Kogi West Senatorial District.

Ajayi, a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba-Bunu chapter was said to have been kidnapped around 11:30pm on Wednesday.

A source in the area told our correspondent that the gunmen fired shots for over an hour before whisking the retired army officer away to an unknown destination.

The source expressed concern about the deteriorating state of Major Ajayi’s health, compounded by his advanced age, and the potential risks this may pose during his captivity.

The incident has sparked concern in the community, with many calling for increased security measures.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Okun Development Association (ODA) had recently raised alarm over the alarming rate of abductions and insecurity in Okunland.
The ODA specifically mentioned the kidnapping of a first-class traditional ruler in Okoloke in Yagba West local government area, and called on the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies to take action to address the situation.

ODA’s concerns underscored the latest incidents in the area which have left the community in shock and fear.

Earlier in the year, a council member was abducted from his house while three other persons were kidnapped along with a child in their farm in the same community three days after.

Chairman of Kabba Bunu local government area, Barrister Michael Dare and some students of Kogi State University, Kabba, were last year kidnapped in the same LGA.

Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Kogi State Command, SP William Ovye was yet to react to this latest kidnap.